News List

Jan. 10, 2014
Here is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on events at City Hall.

City Completes Ice Storm CleanupOn Wednesday, the City's Public Services Department completed its storm debris cleanup operations associated with last month’s ice storm. Extra crews were brought on hand to work weekends and throughout the week to get caught up on Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) calls.

The City received a record 13,337 requests for pickup within the last month; which is equivalent to nearly half of Richardson's single family homes. Work crews from the Solid Waste, Streets, and Parks and Recreation departments were brought in to help get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

Crews picked up more than 2,400 tons of material since the ice storm. The requests also included normal and seasonal pickup, such as cleanup for used appliances and Christmas tree collection.

Residents who have not yet placed out their storm debris can make a BABIC request by calling 972-744-4111 or by going online at cor.net/recycling. Smartphone users can download the City’s MyRichardson mobile application to request service. Items must be placed on the front curb for pickup.

Residents Encouraged to Complete Recycle Survey

Richardson residents are encouraged to complete a survey about the City’s recycling program to help identify ways to improve the current system. The survey was included in the January edition of Richardson Today and is available online at cor.net/RecycleSurvey.

As an added bonus, residents who return the printed survey or complete the survey online by Jan. 20 will be entered into a drawing for one of four $50 gift cards to Home Depot or Lowe’s.

The City will also gather feedback on the recycling program at a series of community meetings set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at Huffhines Recreation Center, 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Stinson Elementary School and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Heights Recreation Center. The purpose of the community meetings will be to gather information from residents on Richardson’s recycling program, including: what they like, common barriers for recycling, possible solutions to recycling barriers, and the most effective way to communicate recycling information to residents.

For more information on the survey or the community meetings, call 972-744-4223.

City Expected to Lower Debt Total Issued in 2014The City of Richardson’s 2013-2014 Budget allocated $8.1 million in new debt for the purchase of equipment and capital improvements. On Monday, the City Council reviewed plans to lower that number to about $7.9 million by using prior year savings to offset the cost of solid waste containers, purchasing a different type of equipment for the Fire Department and other measures.

The $7.9 million will fund a dog park, Next Generation 911 System, equipment for various departments and other capital projects. Certificates of obligation are planned to be priced through a competitive sale on April 7 and approved by the City Council that evening.

The City is saving nearly $768,000 in interest payments by paying off the remainder of the 2004 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Issue six years early. The City paid off nearly $2.1 million in 2013 and will pay the remaining $1.8 million in principal in 2014. By paying this debt off early, the City avoids paying applicable interest each year from 2013 through 2020.

“Tree Cycle” Christmas Trees
Richardson residents may “tree cycle” their Christmas trees through Jan. 31 by dropping them off at the Municipal Service Center, 1260 Columbia Dr. The site is open 24 hours, seven days a week. Residents may also call 972-744-4111 to request a Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), then set the tree out at the front curb for collection. Make sure to request that the tree be mulched.

All trees must be natural and unflocked, with all ornaments, tinsel, lights and other decorative items removed. Calls for BABIC must be received before the designated collection day (your BABIC day is the same as your recycling day).

Richardson Receives Digital Cities Award

This week the City Council officially accepted a certificate honoring Richardson as a Top 10 digital city in the 2013 Digital Cities Survey conducted by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government and the Digital Communities Program. Fred Maldonado, regional director of external affairs for AT&T Texas, presented the award to the Council at Monday’s work session.

The survey recognizes municipalities that use technology to increase transparency, improve efficiency and enhance communications with residents, among other things. Learn more about the survey at digitalcommunities.com/survey/cities/.

Pegasus Theatre Performs “Rehearsal for Murder!” at Eisemann Center

Pegasus Theatre presents “Rehearsal for Murder!” at the Eisemann Center. The show's run will continue through Jan. 26. The murder mystery show uses special effects to appear like a black and white movie. Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets cost $20 to $35 and are available at eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972-744-4650.

Library to Host Craftivity on Saturday
The Richardson Public Library will host Craftivity from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Basement Program Room. The free event will feature crafts and games for the entire family. Registration is not required. For more information, call 972-744-4358.

RALC to Host Tutor Training Jan. 18
The Richardson Adult Literacy Center is holding a training workshop for ESL tutors. The class is designed to train volunteer tutors who can then help others learn to speak English. Training will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Richardson Public Library.

To learn more or register for the workshop, contact the Katie Patterson at 972-644-5119 or director@ralc.org.

Childcare Training Seminar at City Hall Jan. 18
The Richardson Health Department will offer a free childcare training seminar from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 18, in the Grand Hall of the Richardson Civic Center/City Hall Complex. The seminar will include:

This seminar may be used for three hours of continuing education units (CEUs) for childcare providers. Registered Family Homes are required to have 30 hours of CEUs annually by the State. A certificate will be provided after the seminar. Sign in on the day of event begins at 8:30 a.m.

Photo Contest Entries Accepted Beginning Monday
Entries are being accepted Monday through Jan. 26 at Huffhines Recreation Center for the 2014 City of Richardson Photography Contest. Photographers may submit entries in 14 categories, including abstract, people and still life. View all categories and contest rules at cor.net/photocontest.

Winners will be announced Jan. 31, and winning entries will be exhibited on the third floor of the Richardson Public Library Feb. 1 to 24. An awards ceremony and workshop will take place 6-8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Civic Center.

The Best of Show Winners from the 2013 Photography Contest are on display on the third floor of the Library through Jan. 30. For more information, visit cor.net/photocontest.

Richardson Animal Shelter Pet of the Week

Meet Smiley! He is an Australian cattle dog mix that was found as a stray a month ago and is looking for a new forever home. He is about 6 years old, neutered, microchipped, house trained and loves to play. We named him Smiley because when he gets excited he smiles so big it makes everyone else smile! We know that he will make his new family smile every day! Come by and see him today!